The fire on Wednesday that ravaged the Sunday Market in Vasco, plunging the city into panic and chaos, highlights a critical concern that affects every bustling marketplace across our towns and cities. How safe are these markets from fire hazards? Preventing fire tragedies requires strict enforcement of fire-safety regulations, regular inspections and cooperation between authorities, traders and the public. Fire-safety audits are a must. The Fire and Emergency Services Department should conduct regular inspections of shops, markets, godowns, restaurants and commercial buildings to identify fire hazards and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Shops and commercial establishments must have appropriate fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and alarm systems. Faulty wiring, overloaded sockets, unauthorised connections and substandard electrical equipment are potential fire hazards. Market lanes, entrances and emergency exits must remain free from encroachments, parked vehicles, goods and temporary stalls. Combustible materials such as cardboard boxes, plastic packaging, LPG cylinders and other inflammable materials should be stored safely, away from electrical panels and other ignition sources. Markets should have clearly marked exits and evacuation routes. Traders and workers must be trained in evacuation procedures and the safe use of fire extinguishers. Market associations should organise periodic mock drills with the Fire Department and local police so that traders and shoppers know how to respond during an emergency. Authorities must act against establishments that repeatedly violate fire-safety rules. Fire hydrants should be connected to water sources at all times. Fire stations should respond to fire calls promptly. Prevention is far better than firefighting. Municipal authorities, fire services, electricity departments, market associations and traders must work together to identify risks before disaster strikes. In densely populated marketplaces, even a small electrical short circuit can rapidly turn into a major blaze.
Adelmo Fernandes, Vasco
